Lawyer for Elvis & EPE, D. Beecher Smith, arrested on child pornography charges: Just in from Bill E. Burk: D. Beecher Smith III, former attorney for Elvis Presley and for EPE, has been arrested tonight (USA time) on federal charges of child pornography. Law officials say Smith had child pornography photographs loaded in his computer. No other details were given this late at night here in Memphis. If convicted, Smith could serve up to 10 years in federal prison (though that is not likely). Smith and his brother have been heavy backers of actress Suzanna Leigh since her move to Memphis. Smith, in addition to being a lawyer, has won awards for poetry books he has written. He is the author of
Sincerely Elvis: An Anthology of Original Poems About Elvis Aaron Presley (he has also released a CD including an Elvis tribute). It was Smith who drew up Elvis' will and also represented Vernon Presley in divorce proceedings from Dee Stanley Presley. More details as they arrive. (News, Source: Bill Burk/EIN)

EIN delves inside a book which differentiates itself from the pack, offering a first-hand account of Elvis and the Colonel at the height of "Elvismania"... a book which is supported by historic documents straight from the offices of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Elvis doesn't get much respect: Time magazine recently published "The All-TIME 100 Albums," a list of what it considers the 100 greatest and most influential albums. So how many do you think Elvis has? 10? Five? Nope. One. The King has only one album in Time magazine's Top 100. Of course, Elvis was more known for his singles, so it's not altogether surprisingly that the album Time chose was "30 Number 1 Hits." Time divides the albums by decade and Elvis ranks in the 2000s, alongside Hank Williams, Muddy Waters, and Kanye West. See the full list here, or just wait until TIME LIFE starts running late-night infomercials on the inevitable 6-disc set. (News, Source: The Memphis Flyer)

Jackson custody case rejected: A Los Angeles judge has rejected a request by a British woman who claimed she was the mother of MICHAEL JACKSON's kids. NONA PARIS LOLA JACKSON filed claims she is the biological mother of Jackson's three children, PRINCE MICHAEL, PARIS and PRINCE MICHAEL II, aka BLANKET. But officials in California have denied her request to take Jackson and his ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE, who insists she's the mother of Paris and Prince Michael, to court. The judge ruled that Jackson did not properly serve the pop superstar or Rowe with notice of her claim. The woman alleges Jackson never had sex with Rowe or his other ex-wife,LISA MARIE PRESLEY. She also claims to have written 3,000 songs and six scripts for Jackson during his career. (News, Source: Contact Music)

"The American Way" released: The first volume of the import series "The American Way" from the producers of "American Crown Jewels" and "Finding The Way Home" has been released. Volume one, "The Hits", focuses on the hit singles, pulled from the American Studio sessions.

Brits have yanks "all shook up" over Elvis jukebox: It was such a hit at a recent Elvis Presley Week in Graceland it has led to a £100,000 export order to the States for a further container of machines from manufacturer Sound Leisure. The order includes the Elvis machine and two Beatles models launched at a second show in Las Vegas. It marks the £9m turnover company's first serious foray into America and managing director Chris Black is expecting big things.

"Next year sees the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death and we believe that will create a further surge of interest in Presley branded products." He said the Beatles boxes would probably be sold from the MGM Mirage Hotel, the venue of the new Beatles themed show Love, performed by acrobatic and dance group, Cirque Du Soleil. Updated Mr Black added: "We're currently building 15 of the branded machines for the home market as well as this export order and our production line has never been busier."

Sound Leisure's classic jukebox range has been continuously updated to embrace CD, digital and iPod versions. The firm says its new LED lighting system makes the machines attractive for club lounges or home games rooms. The company has been making jukeboxes in Leeds for 30 years and has over 70,000 boxes in circulation. Its Milestones in Music digital jukebox features every chart hit since 1952. The company's retail division is also booming with touch screen technology products, audio-visual point of sale units, talking swing signs and interactive shop windows. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Wednesday 29 November 2006

Enjoy Christmas at Graceland: No matter where you live, you can enjoy the holidays at Graceland by visiting our special Christmas section of Elvis.com. Enjoy free Elvis and Christmas trivia games, virtual tours of Graceland decorated for the holidays, holiday e-cards and lots more fun. And, if you are an Elvis Insider, be sure to visit the members only forum for a free Graceland holiday screen saver. (News, Source: EPE)

"The Essential Elvis" CD track listing: Here is the track listing for the upcoming 2 CD BMG release "The Essential Elvis Presley" which is due for release on January 9, 2007. Track Listing:

Disc 1: That's All Right/Baby, Let's Play House/Mystery Train/Heartbreak Hotel/I Was The One/Blue Suede Shoes/Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel/Love Me Tender/All Shook Up/Peace In The Valley/Jailhouse Rock/Trouble
Fever/It's Now Or Never/Reconsider Baby/Are You Lonesome Tonight?/Little Sister/Follow That Dream/Can't Help Falling In Love

Bus trip to Memphis Jan 2007: This flyer is from Linda Leed, who is president of the Unforgettable Elvis fan club in Pennsylvania. She has planned a great trip to Graceland for the 2007 Elvis birthday commemmoration. Anyone interested can contact Linda directly.

"Cherished Classics - Elvis Presley": Due for release on January 9, 2007 is the compilation "Cherished Classics - Elvis Presley" on the Pid label. More information when available. (News, Source: Play /Elvis News)

"Elvis at the Hayride" CD: Released on November 21, 2006 on the CBJU Entertainment label is the CD "Elvis at the Hayride". More information when available. (News, Source: Amazon.de /Elvis News)

Graceland replica:This photo was taken somewhere on the Mississippi-Alabama border. Someone has done a very good job! (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Tuesday 28 November 2006

Elvis among nation's top 100 most influential people: As this year's lists begin to roll in, Elvis Presley is ranked at No. 66 in
shaping America, as compiled by the Atlantic Monthly magazine. Elvis is bested on the list by other Southerners, such as William Faulkner at No. 60, and he beats out others like Sam Walton at No. 72. For a feature article entitled "They Made America," the Atlantic asked four prominent American historians to list and rank the most important people who shaped the nation.

Topping the list is Abraham Lincoln, for preserving the Union, followed by George Washington, for shaping the country and declining to become a king. Besides politicians, the list includes business people who changed the world, such as Henry Ford, who gave us the assembly line, at No. 14, and Cyrus McCormick (No. 73), whose mechanical reaper industrialized agriculture. The list includes a brief description of each person, such as the one for Elvis: "The king of rock and roll. Enough said." To see the entire list, visit: www.theatlantic.com/doc/200612/influentials(News, Source: Memphis Business Journal)

"Christmas Wishes" German reissue: Rereleased in Germany is the compilation "Christmas Wishes". This version comes with a new cardboard slipcase. (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News)

"Elvis A Legendary Performer Volume 3" DVD: After volumes 1 and 2, the third edition of "A Legendary Performer DVD" is ready. This time, the producers focused on seventies excerpt, highlighting some "unusual" shows from 1977. A tv trailer for the Singer Special (1968) and home movies of the Memphis Sessions (1969) are among the other eye catchers. (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

Elvis' granddaughter joins Victoria's Secret: Danielle Riley Keough, aka Riley Keough, is a granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley, the daughter of Lisa-Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough, has proved that she has performing blood by joined in the Victoria’s Secret Lingerie Fashion Show at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on the 17th Nov. 2006. The show usually held in New York, but this time the organizer decided to move to Hollywood. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Monday 27 November 2006

'Writing For The King' - EIN interviews author Ken Sharp: 'Writing For The King' is FTD's biggest project yet with over 400 pages plus 2 CDs. The book features over 100 interviews plus an amazing selection of Elvis demos (including the 'Heartbreak Hotel' original) plus 23 unreleased live Elvis songs. Ken Sharp kindly agreed to a pre-release interview with EIN to give us the low-down on what to expect in this exciting new book.(Interview, Source: EIN)

Fake Elvis items listed in auction:Another sale of the famous auction house which is holding a live auction on a cruise ship, fooling people worldwide, as the event is also accessible via eBay. Claimed Marilyn Monroe shoes in wrong size and style, insult to The King, as Elvis Presley's laughable cuff links and tie bar are being offered and two claimed James Dean items, that must drive any James Dean expert up the wall. But this is not a comedy event at all. Fraud in the million dollar range might be possible. Read full story (News, Source: PR Inside)

Swedish release of "Elvis, Scotty & Bill" CD: Released in Sweden is the compilation of early material entitled "Elvis, Scotty & Bill". This compilation was released October 31, 2006. Also released in Sweden on November 11, 2006 is the 2CD compilation "That's Alright Mama". (News, Source: Elvis News)

"Elvis" on vinyl: Released on November 13, 2006 on the FMinor label is a 180gr vinyl edition of Elvis' second album "Elvis". (News, Source: Play /Elvis News)

"Good Rockin' Tonight" CD: Released October 27, 2006 in the EC by the Magic label is the CD "Good Rockin' Tonight" (Catalogue Number: 3930610).

"In Performance" book/DVD: Due for release on December 4, 2006 is the DVD and book combination "In Performance". More information when available. (News, Source: Play / Elvis News)

Sunday 26 November 2006

New Elvis website in India: A colorful new and very different Elvis website has been launched in India. The site is not about Elvis and his music, rather "his other side, the most magnanimous and thrilling one – his spiritual one. Believe it or not. You will be stunned to know about the books on Elvis to be released to transfix the world by Naga KRMC, Bangalore, INDIA, let alone the fans but even the non fans". (News, Source:Rangarajan

)

"Private Elvis" DVD: The Optimum label will reissue the DVD "Private Elvis" in February 2007 in the UK as a single disc DVD. More information when available. (News, Source: Play /Elvis News)

This week on the Elvis Hour - lead singer from "Survivor" recalls meeting Elvis: On this weeks show we'll hear from Jimmy Jameson lead singer from the group Survivor. Jimmy has an interesting story to tell about meeting Elvis. We'll have some fun with Elvis trivia and we'll hear some rare interviews with the King himself. Have fun with us as we get underway with this week's Elvis Hour. Sunday evenings at 7:00PM (eastern) and repeated throughout the week. Voted the most original Elvis Specialty show by those that knew the king best. Only at www.elvisthemagazine.com(News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" tour. ALL the reviews, photos and information: EIN proudly presents a spotlight on 'Elvis Presley In Concert' 2006. Here are all the fan reviews of this fabulous series of 2006 concerts, plus interviews with DCE, as well as a look at the special Elvis exhibition. Featuring reviews of all the recent shows in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. Elvis performed at his absolute best - You should have been there! (EP In Concert, Source: EIN/various)

Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis closing?: American media have reported the possible ‘shut down’ of the Midsouth Coliseum in Memphis. The building has fallen in the shadow of the Pyramid and, more recently, FedEx Forum. And while the bones look good, the City loses money on this building every year, roughly $300-400,000. Add to this the fact that it's not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and you realize that city leaders are faced with a unique problem. Elvis gave his last concert at the Coliseum on July 5th 1976. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Lisa Presley featured in Johnny Cash music video: Lisa Marie Presley is featured in the latest Johnny Cash video for the song "God's Gonna Cut You Down". Elvis recorded this song with the title "Run On". Besides Lisa Marie a host of celebrities from the music and movie world pass by in a very dark setting. Click to watch the video(News, Source: Elvis Today, Tomorrow & Forever /Elvis News)

Swedish girls in Elvis handcuff ordeal:In a weird and frightening incident three 14 year-old Swedish girls went to Brighton to learn English, but got more than they bargained for when their host family included a crazed, handcuff-wielding Elvis fan. Read full story (News/Odd Spot, Source: The Local, Sweden)

Yorkshire-built Elvis jukeboxes swing in US: An Elvis Presley-branded jukebox, designed and manufactured in Yorkshire, is to be sold in the US after it impressed fans of the King of Rock and Roll at a popular convention. The jukebox was such a hit at Elvis Presley Week in Graceland it has led to a £100,000 export order to the States for a consignment of the music machines from Leeds-based Sound Leisure.
The order includes the Elvis machine and two Beatles models, which were launched at a second show in Las Vegas. The deal marks the £9m turnover company's first serious foray into America.
Sound Leisure managing director Chris Black said he hoped the order would herald a further deals in the US.

"Next year sees the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death and we believe that will create a further surge of interest in Presley-branded products," said Mr Black. "We anticipate the Beatles boxes will be available to purchase in America from the MGM Mirage Hotel, venue for the $160m production of the Beatles Cirque Du Soleil." Mr Black said 15 of the branded machines were being built for Britain. Launched in the 1970s, Sound Leisure employs about 130 staff at its Leeds headquarters. The company, which has 70,000 boxes in circulation mostly using music from a computer memory, has also introduced LED lighting systems in some of its jukeboxes, which are aimed at club lounges or home games rooms. Sound Leisure claims there is a steady demand for its classic 1940s reproduction jukeboxes, which cost about £4,000, still use 45rpm discs.
The firm said its Milestones in Music jukeboxes, which allow users to listen to every hit since 1952 when the charts were launched, were popular. The digital jukeboxes don't need a broadband connection.(News, Source: Yorkshire Post Today)

Elvis has another hit..this time of the track: A clever front-running drive by Trevor Niass played a big part in Elvis Rocks being a number one hit at Harold Park on Friday night (November 24). Contesting the $20,000 Be Good Johnny Championship Final, Elvis Rocks commenced the 1760 metre challenge with plenty of 'zip' from gate three. Knowing full well that the favourite Kiwi Star was behind him, Niass presented Elvis Rocks with a comfortable 32.4 opening quarter of the last mile before walking through the next 400 metres in 32.7. Joined by the outstanding mare White Thunder during the middle stages of the race, Elvis Rocks continued to dictate the terms at a leisurely pace.

As the field headed towards the 400 metre marker, Elvis Rocks managed to complete the third quarter in 30.1. The Roy Roots trained 6-year-old son of Albert Albert had already laid the foundation for what was to come. With White Thunder continuing to grind away gamely, Kiwi Star became free of the pocket in looming up three deep on the point of the home turn. At the same time Chilled Sanction was also starting to work her way into contention after being three back along the marker pegs.

However, Elvis Rocks converted his perfect run into a winning display. Although being strongly challenged, Elvis Rocks had 1.5 metres to spare over Chilled Sanction while White Thunder did a fine job in recording a game 2.5 metre third. Although beaten only 3.5 metres, Kiwi Star had every chance in finishing fourth.

Ascana, who was contesting the race with two stylish wins next to his name, was slowly into stride from gate five in settling well back in proceedings. In finishing a 12 metre eighth, Ascana was never in the picture, despite being a solid third favourite for the title. The final sectional time tells the story, as Elvis Rocks was able to 'dash' home in 27.7.

Elvis Rocks completed the 10th win of his 35 start career in a time of 2:12.5 while his mile rate was 2:01.2. The win by Elvis Rocks lifted his stake earnings to over $56,000. The dam of Elvis Rocks is Tala Queen, who was by Butler B G while being out of an Armbro Del mare in Sakuntala. Elvis Rocks was her first foal in September 2000, with Our Buddy Holly (Christian Cullen) joining him two years later.

Our Buddy Holly has only one number performance next to his name from seven starts. (News, Source: HarnessLink.com, Australia)

Friday 24 November 2006

"Elvis When The World First Rocked" CD: Here is another UK CD soon to be released. This release entitled Elvis - When The World First Rocked, contains 18 tracks from 1954 to 1956.

"The One and Only" CD: This is apparently a new UK release. Track listing:1. LOVE LETTERS / 2. DON'T/ 3. I WANT YOU, I NEED YOU, I LOVE YOU/ 4. THAT'S WHEN YOUR HEARTACHES BEGIN/ 5. TRUE LOVE
6. YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL/ 7. DOIN' THE BEST I CAN/ 8. SOMETHING BLUE/ 9. THAT'S SOMEONE YOU NEVER FORGET/ 10. FOR THE GOOD TIMES/ 11. WOMAN WITHOUT LOVE/ 12. HE'LL HAVE TO GO/ 13. ITS IMPOSSIBLE/ 14. LOVING YOU (News, Source: EP Gold)

Annual Graceland Poinsettia Fund-Raiser for Tennessee Hemophilia Foundation: Every year, the Tennessee Hemophilia Foundation sells poinsettias as a fund-raising campaign during the holiday season. Since 1982, the first Christmas Graceland was open to the public, Elvis fans from around the world have supported this charity each year by purchasing poinsettias to be placed at Graceland as part of the holiday decorations.

If you would like support the Tennessee Hemophilia Foundation's campaign by ordering poinsettias to be placed at Graceland during the holiday season, please mail $11.00 (US Funds) per plant to:

TCB Band on the way out??: During the TCB Band House Party held at Duns Castle, Scotland last weekend, rumours were picked up from
members of the TCB Band & people close to them that EPE owner Robert Sillerman is looking to take over
control of the 'Elvis the Concert' shows, and is seriously considering replacing the TCB band with other
(younger?) musicians.

But just to reassure everyone, they will definitely be performing in Memphis for Elvis Week 2007!!!

"His Latest Flame" Master and Session CD: Set for release is a new import 2 CD release in the Master And Session series. This edition focusses on "His Latest Flame" with studio sessions from June 1961.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition team film outside Graceland: Bill E. Burk tells us to watch out for next year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Two of the fleshy models appear with Graceland as a background. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

"Pink Cadillac - The Recordings of 1956": This CD appears to be the first legal budget CD release of Elvis' 1956 recordings (due to the 50 year copyright rule in Europe). It is a 25 track compilation due for a UK release on January 29, 2007.

New issue of "Essential Elvis" magazine: Volume 49 of the Essential Elvis magazine is out with news, reviews, a look back on Elvis' classic records, interviews from the upcoming "Writing For The King", a session that never was, which could have brought us new songs and finally Billy Smith's memories of Christmas at Graceland. (News, Source: Elvis News)

'Chaos In College Park' - CD review: Elvis' reputed worst-ever concert - why should it even be released? Possibly detrimental to Elvis' glorious legacy, this 'import' CD is one of the most controversial releases of the year. Elvis was certainly on bad form on this 1974 Opening Night, but was he really that terrible? BMG/FTD could never consider releasing this concert, yet it has to have a certain fascination to Elvis collectors. EIN's Piers Beagley presents an in-depth examination of this chaotic concert of September 27th 1974 - as well as looking at Elvis' performance the following night. Nearly 30 years after his death, does Elvis' legacy still need to be air-brushed to keep its glory intact, or can we accept him for all his human faults? (CD Review, Source: EIN

Japanese "Love Me Tender" shop to open in Memphis: In issue #82 of Elvis World magazine, Bill E. Burk tells us the famous "Love Me Tender" shop from Tokyo is opening a Memphis outlet next month. The outlet will open in part of the old Lansky building on Beale Street. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

"Red Hot In Vegas" CD: The forthcoming release from the "Straight Arrow" label is titled "RED HOT IN VEGAS" (SA 2006-5-02), and will feature the Las Vegas August 23rd, 1972 Midnight show. Just like all previous releases from this label, this new CD will come in a deluxe package with a 16-page booklet, containing a neat collection of photographs from the August - September 1972 Las Vegas engagement (both on-stage and candid shots), rare memorabilia, informative liner notes with an "Elvis in 1972" overview, as well as details about Elvis' Las Vegas 1972 Summer Festival. The August 23rd Midnight show was one of the best concerts of the season; among the highlights are great performances of ballads like "What Now My Love" and "My Way", as well as some superb rock'n'roll numbers like "Proud Mary", "A Big Hunk O'Love", "Little Sister / Get Back" and a fast version of "Polk Salad Annie".

This recording comes from an early generation copy of the original audience recorded mastertape, and the sound quality is excellent for an amateur recording, close to soundboard. The sound was professionally restored in a studio. Unfortunately, the August 23rd, 1972 Midnight show was not recorded in its entirety. "Missing tracks" were added from another show from the same season; the August 13th, 1972 Dinner show. "For The Good Times" was Spliced together fom the August 23rd and August 13th recordings. As a bonus, a 1972 interview with John Wilkinson was added. This CD is set for release early December.

"Hot Shots Cool Clips Volume 2" DVD:Released APRIL 3rd, 2007 WILL BE the long awaited DVD Hot Shots Cool Clips Volume 2..highlights include ..Elvis at Madison Square Garden, the Jaycees award presentations afternoon and evening, the first known color footage of the Graceland mansion, Col. Parker's party for the movie Roustabout...plus more cool clips of the King... Final edit and or selections will not be determined till February 1st, approx 60 min.....now avalaible Elvis Starring in Oklahoma soon to be sold out ..Order Today....

Also Coming in 2007 will be Elvis Presley-Tickle Me a book that's Guaranteed to be one of our best. Stay Tuned.. Thanks to everyone from JAT PUBLISHING AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL. (News, Source: JAT Publishing/FECC)

TV Guide update: Just in time for the holidays, TV Guide in the US has created the ultimate gift for Elvis fans everywhere. They've created a collectible CD that will be attached the cover of the December 11, 2006 issue of TV Guide on newsstands December 7th. The CD includes a previously unreleased Elvis recording of "It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You," a video clip of Elvis singing "Blue Christmas" on the '68 Special, an exciting new sweepstakes and more. The CD will be distributed with four different CD art designs, so pick your favorite or collect all four! (News, Source: EPE)

"Elvis, Linda & Me" released: This book by Linda Thompson's best girlfriend, Jeanne LeMay Dumas has been released by Author House. It features rare photos and stories by a person who was there as Elvis' relationship with Linda Thompson developed and flourished. Hardcover book in 8.5x11 format; ISBN: 9781425960001. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

EIN will publish its review Trude Forsher's book "The Love Me Tender Years Diary" shortly.

"Images of Elvis" book announced: This book by Marie Clayton (quite likely a reissue of her book "Unseen Archives") is to be published in the US by Parragon, Incorporated in February 2007. Hardcover format; ISBN: 9781405482967. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

Elvis song on new Xbox game commercial: The ESPN channel showed a commercial for a new Xbox game. The game has a Las Vegas influence and the song playing in the background was Viva Las Vegas from Elvis according to postings on the 2nd To None Forum. (News, Source: Elvis 2nd To None/Elvis News)

Girls! Girls! Girls! co-star dies, aged 80: Jeremy Slate, the versatile actor who co-wrote and starred in the cult film "Hell's Angels '69" and went on to appear in eight seasons on the daytime drama "One Life to Live," died Sunday, his agent said. He was 80.

Slate died at UCLA Medical Center of complications following surgery for esophageal cancer, agent Bonnie Black said. Slate gained fame in the early 1960s on the TV series "The Aquanauts" and a few years later appeared alongside Elvis Presley in "Girls! Girls! Girls!". In 1978 the magazine "Official UFO" used a still photo from the film showing Elvis punching Jeremy, claiming it was Elvis' clone in a wild rage.

Jeremy guest starred on nearly 100 TV shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Mission: Impossible," "Bewitched" and "Police Story." Most recently, he was seen in the NBC sitcom "My Name is Earl." Often cast as a tough guy, Slate appeared during the late 1960s in a string of biker films, including "The Born Losers" and "Hell's Angels '69," which he co-wrote. From 1979 to 1987, he was a regular on the ABC soap "One Life to Live" as Chuck Wilson, his longest-running role. (News, Source: Yahoo News/Sanja Meegin/EIN)

Two more Presley homes for sale: Nashville-based The Honky Tonk Hall of Fame has announced that they are facilitating the sale of three homes of pop culture significance - one owned by music icon Johnny Cash, one lived in by Elvis Presley, and a third owned by Presley's father, Vernon - on eBay, which began Nov. 10.

In Killeen, Texas, Elvis Presley's home while in boot camp, located on Oak Hill Drive, is being offered to the high bidder. Presley, who was drafted in 1958 but didn't completely adapt to military life, was allowed to live off base in a quiet neighborhood in a 4-bedroom, charming '50s-style home. It was in this home Presley entertained his friends and spent what would be the last months he spent with his beloved mother Gladys.

In Memphis, Johnny Cash, under the direction of Sam Phillips, was seeing his career take off when he lived with his wife, Vivian, and daughters, Kathy and Rosanne, in this elegantly maintained property from 1957 to 1960. The residence, located at 5676 Walnut Grove Place in Memphis, continues to this day to maintain the guitar-shaped mailbox Johnny himself erected on the front curb.

Similarly, the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame is facilitating the sale of the home of Presley's father, Vernon, located at 3650 Hermitage Drive in the Hickory Hills subdivision of Memphis, exactly one mile street access from Graceland. It was here Priscilla Beaulieu lived upon moving to the United States to be with Elvis.

The Honky Tonk Hall of Fame, which maintains one of the largest private collections of country music memorabilia in the country, facilitated the spring 2006 eBay sale of Presley's home on 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis for $1 million. They also recently were involved in the relocation of the historic Zippin Pippin Roller Coaster from its longtime home in Memphis's Libertyland Park to a development in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The Coaster, which is the second-oldest wooden coaster in the United States, will be a centerpiece to the Carolina Crossroads Development there. (News, Source: Business Wire/Sanja Meegin)

Monday 20 November 2006

Official Elvis site hacked into:The official Elvis site has been infiltrated by hackers, apparently from Turkey. The FAQs section currently features messages in Turkish and a redirect to another site. (News, Source: Elvis News) ........EPE subsequently returned to normal transmission.....

"The Private Tapes" DVD: Released earlier this year is the unofficial DVD 'The Private Tapes 1974 - 1977'. It appears to be a compilation of unofficial foorgage of Elvis live in concert in his final years. (News, Source:Michel Pathuis, FECC)

This DVD comes from the Memory Records label. They give us 2 concerts from 1976. The first you will see is the incomplete show from Charlotte, march 20 and contains 15 tracks. The second incomplete show is from Chicago, october 15 and contains 13 tracks. All the footage comes from a 8 MM source and is overdubbed with soundboard audio. (News, Source: Michel Pathuis, FECC)

This week on The Elvis Hour: Hi everybody Darwin Lamm here I would like to welcome you to listen to another edition of The Elvis Hour. Each week on our show we hear rare recordings with Elvis talking about his life and music. And mostly we hear the songs that have been forever identified with one of the greatest entertainers of our time. On this edition we'll go back to the early years as Elvis dominated the charts beginning in 1956. We'll hear the King of Rock 'n' Roll with the King of prime time television Milton Berle. In a rare interview we'll hear Elvis talk about an up and coming new singer Johnny Cash. There's alot to do and it's all ahead on The Elvis Hour. Sunday evenings at 7:00PM (eastern) only at www.elvisthemagazine.com (then repeated throughout the week). (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Glenn D. Hardin, Presley's Piano Man (by Kari Lugo): The TCB band will surely go down in history as one of the most famous back up bands ever. All amazingly talented and innovative, they also played with the one and only Elvis Presley, an attribute that will set them apart from others for the rest of time. This time around we speak with Glenn D. Hardin, the genius man behind the piano in the TCB band.

EI: Glen, before Elvis, who were some of the artists that you had worked with throughout your career?

Hardin: I have worked with the Everly Brothers, The Crickets, Emmylou Harris, John Denver, Merle Haggard and Ricky Nelson. I worked as a session player and concert player.

EI: When did you start working for Elvis?

Hardin: In February of 1970. I worked for Elvis from '70-'76.

EI: What impression did you have when you met him?

Hardin: The first time I met him was at...

You can now read the complete interview with Glenn D. Hardin online at www.elvisthemagazine.com(News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Aussie chart update: Both Aloha and the Comeback Special exited to the ARIA Top 50 Music DVD chart this week. (News, Source: ARIA)

Sunday 19 November 2006

Where Existential Despair Meets Elvis: Heartbreak, jealousy, loneliness — Elvis Presley gave luxuriant voice to these less than cheerful emotions. But did you ever think of Elvis as a balladeer of the unbearable bleakness of being, of the horror of existing without purpose in a godless universe? Well, a new play, Woyzeck, does, mixing Elvis' music with a great, prophetic drama of existential emptiness. Read full story(News, Source: New York Times)

"Elvis Religion" released in Australia: There haven't been too many Elvis books released "downunder" this year so Gregory Reece's interesting examination of the cult of the King is a welcome addition to book stores. (News, Source: Borders)

From the revelation of irresponsible screenwriting in the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line”, Kathy Westmoreland’s memories of February 1973 and how they fare versus the rumour Elvis overdosed on Dilaudid, Sweet Inspirations guitarist Gregory Gaskin’s reaction to The Drugs Dialogue, Joseph Tunzi’s uncensored refutation of the allegation Elvis overdosed while on tour in St. Louis, to the pièce de résistance – the author’s shattering of the Desert Storm Myth that purports the King was “strung out” on amphetamines.

The 1974 “Elvis Summer Festival” receives 35 pages of in-depth coverage including the Opening Night set list shakeup, Elvis’ use of the “n” word in response to a heckler on 27th August, launching of the “f” bomb on 30th August, The Painted Statue Dialogue, his incorporation of double entendre into the act e.g. the X-Rated film “Deep Throat”, feminine hygiene products, braces & fellatio, a cunninglus bit involving Mr. Gospel Music and much, much more.

The Drugs Dialogue is dissected over a number of chapters and Fort Baxter’s “Desert Storm” 2 CD set receives an incredible 30 pages of exhaustive analysis.
You’ll be intrigued with the context in which Elvis’ ex-wife yelled out (from The Presley booth) a reference to his manhood! Show tapes reveal Cilla was actually the aggressor! Some folks think Elvis embarrassed her with The Priscilla Dialogue; the fact is he acted honourably with a touch of humour to defend her reputation against vicious fan gossip.

Dennis Berry travelled to Las Vegas with The OEPFC of Great Britain in August 1974 and for the Closing Show, he and two British fans tipped $30.00 for prime seats at the end of the ramp – mere feet from their hero. In addition to writing two articles for this project, “How Can It Get Better Than This?” and “Elvis’ Voice”, Mr. Berry sat for a five-hour interview. His memories of The King’s fantastic performance on 2nd September 1974 will leave you gobsmacked and confirm that the lovely Anne E. Nixon’s “Vegas ’74 Revisited” piece is spot on.

The legendary Phil Gelormine, publisher of the original Elvis World, opened up his collection of previously unseen images from Cole Field House. In addition to the back cover, four more of his shots will be featured in a special preview of the forthcoming soft cover “Elvis Presley – College Park: The Revelation of a Hoax!”

WHAT: Graceland officially begins the holiday season on Friday, November 24th with the annual lighting of the lights and decorations on the mansion and plaza property.

After a countdown by everyone in attendance, the Christmas switch is flipped and Graceland’s holiday splendor comes alive for another season. Santa will appear decked out with a decidedly Elvis attitude, dramatically arriving at Graceland with Elvis style-- in a limousine-- to participate in the lighting. Santa will be available for pictures with the kids throughout the evening’s festivities. Hot chocolate and holiday cookies will be available to make this a tradition to remember.

The holiday spectacle includes hundreds of “Blue Christmas” lights along driveway, Santa and his sleigh, a life-size Nativity scene and many more of the decorations Elvis himself displayed around Graceland. For the eighth year, Arkansas philanthropist Jennings Osborne and his family have constructed larger-than-ever displays of over two million lights in Graceland Plaza. The Osbornes provide lights for over 32 cities, Disney World and Graceland. Their light displays are a gift to the communities that enjoy them.

The interior of Graceland mansion will be decked in Elvis’ Christmas décor for the holiday season. As a special treat, Graceland tours will stay open late on this night - for those wanting to purchase a ticket to tour the mansion after the lighting ceremony. The ticket office will remain open until 7:00 PM, with the mansion remaining open until all ticket holders have had the opportunity enjoy the full tour. Graceland retail stores will remain open late to accommodate early holiday shopping.

For more information and to see the holiday lights of the LIVE GracelandCam™ visit www.elvis.com or call 901/332-3322. (Click here to go directly to the Christmas information page.)

New Czech DVD coming: Expected soon in the Bicentennial Elvis series from the Czech Memory Record label. This DVD contains Elvis' performances from December 28, 1976 (Birmingham, 08.30 P.M.) and December 31, 1976 (Pittsburgh, 09.30 P.M.). (News, Source: EP Gold)

Interesting Elvis related items on ebay: There are a number of interesting Elvis items currently for sale on ebay. They include two books personally owned by Elvis and several Elvis is alive conspiracy items, including the famous poolhouse photo in color and the Elvis is Alive Schematic chart. View all five items(News, Source: EIN)

Tiger Man label re-issues: As we reported yesterday, a new volume of Tiger Man - An Alternate Anthology will be released within a few weeks. This is volume 5 of this series with alternate and unreleased material. Volumes 1 and 2 of this series have been re-released. On volume 1 some tracks are replaced for tracks from a better source. Also the disc is changed from a picture disc to a black disc with almost the same printing as other volumes. The cover is the same. For volume 2 nothing is changed except the label name in the left corner. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club /Elvis News)

Gold for Elvis in Germany: Re released in Germany is another edition of the "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation entitled "Gold Award Fur Elvis Presley - ELV1S 30 #1 Hits". This edition comes with a pure gold layer and option to display it as an award celebrating the sale of more than 250,000 copies of this compilation in Germany.(News, Source:Collectors Service/Elvis News)

Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 1 to #12
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #15
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 1 to #12
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #15

A note of interest is that Elvis makes his first chart appearance on the main Billboard 200 in over a year, with the last chart appearance being "Elvis By the Presley's" which peaked at #15. Besides that het has 3 Christmas titles on the Top Holiday Album Chart.

Elvis Presley is the only artist to have more than 100 chart entries on The Billboard 200, and he increases his total this week with his 109th title to appear on this list. "Elvis Christmas" (RCA) debuts at No. 200, extending the King's album chart span to 50 years and eight months.

Since the calendar rolled over to 2000, Presley has had 10 albums debut on the chart. That compares to the previous 10 albums, which debuted between 1985-1999. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Friday 17 November 2006

'Inside G.I. Blues' - Book Review: An Elvis Unlimited production written by Megan Murphy & Henryk Matraszek, with a stylish design by Kenneth Dokkeberg along with some research from Ger Rijff.

EIN reviews this deluxe box-set, which also a bonus DVD & even a promo 45rpm, and presents some example images from this very appealing book. Is this book one of the best of 2006? (Book Review, Source: EIN, November 2006)

FTD Releases in 2007: In January 2007 FTD will apparently release a complete soundboard from February 1977 titled 'Unchained Melody'. In April FTD will apparently release 'An American Trilogy' which will include live recordings from Las Vegas in February 1972. Also planned are two other albums for release by April 2007. Distribution of the December 2006 releases, 'Writing For The King' and 'His Hand In Mine' is on schedule. (News, Source: etp/FECC board/ftdelvis.com)

Volume 5 in "Tiger Man An Alternate Anthology" series: A new volume of Tiger Man - An Alternate Anthology will be released within a few weeks. This is volume 5 of this series with alternate and unreleased material.

Volumes 1 and 2 of this series have been re-released. On volume 1 some tracks are replaced for tracks from a better source. Also the disc is changed from a picture disc to a black disc with almost the same printing as other volumes. The cover is the same. For volume 2 nothing is changed except the label name in the left corner. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club /Elvis News)

Rare "underground" Elvis film: EIN takes a look back at "Evil Elvis Christmas", one of the rarest Elvis related films ever made. As an underground "slasher" movie with numerous Elvis world references and liberal doses of humor and blood and gore, "Evil Elvis Christmas" is a very different type of Elvis related film. (Film Review, Source: EIN)

EPE ETA competition sparks mixed response: Reaction to the news we broke yesterday about EPE sanctioning an Elvis impersonators contest has been mixed. We have received more than 20 messages with some fans criticising the move as they feel many ETAs are not professional enough and seeing it as a cynical move to end the long running Images of the King contest which has regional heats, and climaxes each August in Memphis during Elvis Week. Others see it as an opportunity to further broaden the Elvis icon to the mainstream audience. EIN understands EPE's interest in producing the ETA competition, but in our view a competition based solely around Elvis is too narrow to be a major success. But time will tell.

EPE announces Elvis reality TV show: Although the official press release is a few hours away, the big news today is that the ultimate Elvis tribute artist contest, produced by CKX/EPE, is going ahead. More details shortly. (News, Source: Eyewitness News Memphis)

Still betting on Elvis?: Financial analyst Hillary Kramer says: You can never go wrong with the King, and I'm still betting big on this one. Back in April, I picked CKX Inc. (NASDAQ: CKXE) as a double-your-money pick, opining that it might almost quadruple from around $14 to $50 by the end of 2007. If you followed my advice, you might be pretty disappointed so far. The stock continues to trade at around $14. If it's any consolation, I put quite a bit of my own money into CKX -- and I still hold the stock today.

I still believe this one is going to improve. Media and entertainment businesses are always risky, but I believe in CEO Bob Sillerman, who has already revolutionized the radio and the concert businesses. I think he has the right idea to build the company around a few phenomenally recognizable brands, (heard of American Idol? Heard of Elvis Presley?) and to leverage those brands through his other holdings. Anyone who follows the film industry knows the 80/20 model prevails there -- that is, 20% of movies make a lot of money and pay for the 80% that don't. The same thing is happening in the book industry. It's the nature of media today, and I think Sillerman understands this dynamic as well as anyone. He also understands that "content is king" -- it's what his company name stands for -- and that in a rapidly-shifting world of delivery options (Netflix? Movies on demand? iTunes on your cell phone?), if you control the content, you'll make money no matter how it's delivered. And in the meantime, Sillerman keeps hustling -- he's still working to come up with a new reality show, expand the "American Idol" franchise, and cross-promote his vast holdings.

For now, revenues for the first three quarters of 2006 are 50% higher than the whole of 2005, and his operating income keeps growing as well. I may have been wrong about how quickly this would grow, but I still think it's going to be a winner.

Type of stock: A media conglomerate based on a few large brands -- including the legendary Elvis Presley -- run by legendary media mogul Bob Sillerman.

Price target: I still think this one is going to make you big returns on your money. At $14 now, the stock can still hit $50 by the end of 2007. I am betting on Elvis and I am betting on the track record of one of the best entrepreneurs and operators in the country. (Sale of EPE, Source: Hillary Kramer, AOL)

Elvis' piano for sale: At Freesell.com you can bid on Elvis' White Knabe Piano, which he bought in 1957. The piano ended up in storage after Priscilla gave Elvis a new piano for their wedding anniversary in 1969. After Elvis' death in 1977 Vernon sold the piano. (News, Source: Elvis Australia/Elvis News)

Wednesday 15 November 2006

"The '56 Sessions Volume 1" upgraded on CD: Due for re release on CD is an upgraded version of the original 1978 album "The '56 Sessions" volume 1. It includes:

- 8 bonus songs;
- 5 introductions of the original master recordings;
- original album artwork and liner notes;
- original masters are remixed / remastered;
- including 3 official previously unreleased versions.

DVDs deleted in Australia: The following DVD titles have been discontinued in Australia: "Elvis At The Movies" (RBC) and "The Woman Who Loved Elvis" (excellent telemovie starring Roseanne Barr). (News, Source: EzyDVD)

Lance LeGault to be special guest at 2007 Fan Club President's Luncheon: EPE has announced "the Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents' Event on Saturday, January 6, 2007, as we celebrate Elvis In The Movies. This special fan club event will be held at the Memphis Marriott East, located at 2625 Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon. You may invite up to three additional members of your club to attend the event with you at a cost of $10.00 each. We are thrilled to announce our special guest for the event will be Mr. Lance LeGault. Lance was in four of Elvis's feature films, including Roustabout, Viva Las Vegas, Kissin' Cousins, and Girls! Girls! Girls! Also, Lance appeared in Elvis's '68 Comeback Special and narrated the Graceland tour." (News, Source: EPE)

Tuesday 14 November 2006

Elvis' wedding band to be sold: Elvis Presley's diamond and platinum wedding band from his marriage to Priscilla will be sold in the auction with other Hollywood memorabilia worth over $2 million on Dec. 14 and 15 in Beverly Hills, California.

"The marriage of Elvis and Priscilla Presley was the most significant wedding in the 20th century," said Joseph Maddalena, an owner of Profiles In History, the worldly renowned live internet auction company which will host the auction next month.

"There was Charles & Diana and, of course, Paul & Heather. But there was only one Elvis Presley," Maddalena said. "This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a true piece of pop culture history."

Elvis' famous wedding band is decorated with eight baguette-cut diamonds within a border of 16 fill-cut diamonds, which is expected to be sold around $100,000 to $150,000. "The King of Rock and Roll" unveiled the band at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967, when he wed Pricilla in a ceremony that celebrated one of the most memorable marriages of the 20th century.

Other auction items include James Dean's switchblade featured in the well-known knife fight in "Rebel Without a Cause," estimated price of $30,000 to $50,000, and Jerry Lewis's Dr. Julius Kelp costume from the 1963 classic comedy "The Nutty Professor," which has the estimated price of $25,000 to $30,000. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

"Let It Be Me" CD release: The Audiophile Records label will release their second CD title called "Let It Be Me" late November. This release will contain previously unreleased - and according to the press release completely unknown - audience recording of Elvis Presley's Midnight Show in Las Vegas, February 21, 1970, taken directly from the original master tape. The sound has been digitally restored to achieve the best possible quality, regarding the off-line source.

The songs "Kentucky Rain" and "Let It Be Me" are incomplete from the main show. However, bonus tracks were taken from another unreleased audience recording during the February 20th Dinner Show, that contain the complete versions of "Kentucky Rain" and "Let It Be Me". The sound quality is very good for an "audience recorded standard", including the bonus tracks. This CD will come with a full color 8-page booklet containing sleeve notes, press reviews, several rare photos taken by an Elvis fan that recorded several shows during this Las Vegas engagement. Included is an essay on the fan's experience seeing Elvis.

Rare Felton Jarvis interview on Elvis The Magazine: Darwin Lamm from Elvis The Magazine tells us: We have another special show for you in this week's edition (replayed 4 times a day). We will hear rare recordings and interviews with the King himself and also share a bit of Elvis trivia. Also this week our special guests include Bobby Vinton, Felton Jarvis and Joe Esposito. There's much to do and it's all ahead on this week's edition of The Elvis Hour. Sunday evenings at 7:00PM (eastern). Voted the most original Elvis Specialty show by those that knew the King best. Only at www.elvisthemagazine.com(News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Elvis CD-Rom's in TV Guide: Further to our report on 3 November, the December 7, 2006 edition of TV Guide will come with one of four different CD-Rom's for your Christmas tree. The disc contains a previously unreleased version of "It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You", "Blue Christmas" video, an Elvis photo gallery, the "Livin' Like Elvis" contest and more. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Aussie chart update: On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart, Aloha From Hawaii has slipped sixteen places to #38, while the Comeback Special also slips sixteen places to #39. (News, Source: ARIA)

New Walmart Elvis CD: ''Elvis Christmas'' is the new Wal-Mart Sony/BMG exclusive with an extra bonus track ( Somebody Bigger Than You And I - previously unreleased take 12 ). This CD features 24 songs and sticker on front states '' As Seen On TV - Elvis's 2 original Christmas albums available for the first time on one CD! ''. (News, Source: Barry McLean/FECC)

2007 boxsets: The German fan club from Berlin mentions four new CD box set releases for January 2007: "Autograph" (2 CDs), "Signature" (3 CDs), "Icons" (2 CDs) and "Reflections" (2 CDs). More information when available. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Sequel to "Bubba Ho-Tep": "Bubba Nosferatu and the Curse of the She-Vampires" is currently being filmed and is due for release in 2008. Bruce Campbell reprises his role as the geriatric Elvis. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Aussie fans help needed!: Opposite is a poor quality scan of the Elvis Sydney fan club badge from 1960. Researcher Bob Hayden is working on a book and is hoping someone may be able to provide him with a higher quality photo/scan of the badge. If you can help contact Bob(News, Source: Bob Hayden)

Suzi Quatro was a special guest at the unveiling of the Elvisly Yours statue by Charlie Hodge in September 1981. She stood on stage and recounted how she was not only invited to Graceland but stayed there when she met Elvisand how Elvis was a "Happy Days" fan at the time, a show in which Suzi appeared frequently. Charlie Hodge said he never met her and he did live at Graceland. He said Graceland was too small and there was no guest bedroom. Elvis' guests would stay at the Howard Johnson's Lodge across the side road to Graceland.

There was the "Elvis room" that Elvis used to rent frequently and I knew the manager at Howard Johnson's who was resident during Elvis' life. Elvis was a recluse in 1974 after his divorce from Priscilla in 1973 and people just did not get invited to Graceland in those days.

Next year, we (Elvisly Yours) will have a fabulous range of Elvis watches and clocks planned. I have just licensed Britain's leading supplier of watches and clocks to do a wide range of timepieces. There will also be hi-tech Elvis products and gadgets...one projects the image of Elvis on your bedroom or living room wall. (News, Source: Sid Shaw, Elvisly Yours)

Dick Clark collection for sale: As EIN reported a while back, the American auction house Guernsey’s is putting hundreds of items on the block that belonged to the TV and radio host Dick Clark. The catalogue for the auction mentions several interesting Elvis lots as well: acetates, 78 rpm records, posters and even a gold single of ‘In The Ghetto’, initially presented to Vernon Presley. More info on the sale of December 5th and 6th: www.liveauctioneers.com (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

Thursday 9 November 2006

Elvis Homecoming Festival re-creation wins award for Tupelo: Elvis Presley has won many an accolade for the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau this year. Most recent among them was the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association’s Award for Excellence, presented to the CVB at the association’s board meeting Tuesday afternoon. The bureau’s work to re-create the King’s 1956 homecoming concert for this year’s Elvis Presley Festival also earned it the Southeast Tourism Association’s Shining Example Award and a place on the American Bus Association’s Top 100 International Events.

“I give my staff the credit,” said CVB director Linda Butler Johnson while accepting the award, a framed photograph of the reenactment concert next to a copy of the Governor’s proclamation about the event.
Because of the CVB’s involvement, this year’s Elvis festival offered a higher caliber entertainment and drew more people than ever in the event’s history, said Debbie Brangenberg, executive director of the association, which hosts the annual attraction.

“They brought it to a much higher level in terms of what we were able to present, and we really reached the Elvis world in a way we never had been able to before,” Brangenberg said. “The Elvis re-enactment was absolutely wonderful.” Brangenberg, who was speaking at Benjamin’s On Main, said organizers are already working on plans to make next year’s festival even better. “I didn’t know how to top this last year, but we’re stepping it up a notch in 2007,” she said. “We hope to have more details to announce by Elvis’ birthday” in January. (News, Source: djournal.com)

Audience go mad for Elvis: WOMEN in their forties, fifties and sixties screamed like teenagers, jumped to their feet, danced, sang and waved their arms as their long dead idol was brought back to life in This Is Elvis at The New Wimbledon Theatre this week.

The show features more than 30 of Elvis Presley's greatest hits including Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Love Me Tender, It's Now Or Never and Are You Lonesome Tonight? And the audience loved it. Certainly the songs and the performance of the charismatic Simon Bowman as Elvis were sensational. Bowman, who has starred in the West End in Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and The Phantom Of The Opera, has a marvellously powerful singing voice and he hit all the high notes perfectly. But it was rather unreal. The star of the show was not acknowledged as Simon Bowman at all - all the cries from the audience were for "Elvis" and it seemed many felt they were seeing the King reserrected.

There was little in the way of a story. We were taken back to 1968 as Presley pepares to make his first live TV special in what was known as The '68 Comeback Special. The event, followed 12 months later by his first live performance for seven years at the International Hotel in Vegas, re-established the King of Rock 'n' Roll as the world's top singer.

We were given an insight into Presley's problems with his demanding manager Colonel Tom Parker and his beautiful wife Priscilla, but, disappointingly, we did not see the two most important people in his adult life - we just heard his end of telephone conversations with them.

But there were many pluses, not least the excellent vocal and musical support provided by Tim Harwood, Andy Pelos, Kludo White, Tom Clare, Morgan Davies, Matt Hill and Matt Smith. And Simon Bowman, dazzling in white sequined suit, recreated Elvis' Las Vegas performance so well that the audience was still yelling for more 15 minutes after he said farewell.
(News, Source: Tony Flood, Wimbledon Guardian)

Historic first ever Elvis bootleg LP released on CD: The first Elvis Presley bootleg from 1970, "Please Release Me", has been released on CD, again, as a bootleg. It comes with the same cover as the original release. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Chart update: In Ireland the compilation "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" drops from #64 to #86 on the album chart. The Special Edition of "That's The Way It Is" is a new entry at #9 on the DVD Top 10. (News, Source: Elvis News)

50th anniversary of famous Elvis & Liberace photo: It will be 50 years ago next Tuesday when a popular piano player and a young up-and-coming rock ‘n’ roller posed for a publicity photo in Las Vegas. Who could have predicted then that both performers not only would become worldwide legends but would continue to attract thousands of devoted fans decades after their respective deaths.

On Nov. 14, 1956, Liberace and Elvis Presley posed for a publicity photo taken by the Las Vegas News Bureau in which they switched jackets and instruments. To commemorate the golden anniversary of this picture seen around the world, tribute artists Wes Winters as Liberace and Matt Lewis as Elvis re-created the famous photo at the Liberace Museum.

When Wladziu (Walter) Valentino “Lee” Liberace opened the Riviera in April 1955, he was the city’s highest paid entertainer, earning $50,000 per week. It was also the first time he wore a gold lame jacket, the first of hundreds of extravagant costumes that became his signature trademark. The following April, Elvis performed in Las Vegas for the first time when he was 21. He received a lukewarm reception from an audience of adult gamblers, despite being on his way to becoming an international singing sensation and silver screen heartthrob.

The story goes that seven months later, Elvis went to see Liberace’s show and afterward was introduced backstage to Mr. Showmanship by Liberace’s agent. As the agent and photographer waited onstage by the piano, Liberace told Elvis he needed more glitz in his wardrobe if he wanted to make it in Vegas and suggested they ham it up by switching jackets and instruments. Both emerged onstage, Elvis sat at the piano, Liberace strummed The King’s guitar – and the News Bureau snapped the picture that would forever have its place in the entertainment history of Las Vegas.

To re-create the famous photo for Nevada Magazine, the Las Vegas News Bureau began with the Liberace Foundation and Museum where one of Liberace’s favorite pianos is on display. The seven-foot Baldwin is covered in about 150,000 two and one-half carat Swarovski rhinestones, made in 1976 to match Liberace’s rhinestone costume and car. Liberace last performed on this piano in 1986 in the finale of his appearance at Radio City Music Hall.

To sit in for Liberace, who better than tribute artist Wes Winters, who won the Liberace Museum’s 2003 “Liberace Play-a-Like Competition” and since has performed “A Musical Tribute to Liberace – the Showmanship Years” Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. at the museum. Wearing costumes and jewelry that would make Liberace smile, Winters keeps his spirit alive through song and fantastic tickling of the ivories – even though Winters plays piano by ear and performs his tribute based on watching televised Liberace performances.

Completing the photo re-creation is Matt Lewis as Elvis. Lewis is the featured performer of “Legends in Concert®,” the full-production celebrity tribute spectacular in its 24th year at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino. Lewis first impersonated Elvis for a school talent show when he was 12 years old. Now, six nights every week, two shows per night, Lewis leaves the ladies swooning in the aisles with his boyish good looks, commanding voice and dead-ringer compelling impersonation of the truck driver from Tupelo who would become the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Although their careers traveled different musical paths, according to the Liberace Museum, Liberace and Elvis Presley remained friends over the years. The museum still has several stuffed and ceramic hound dogs that were gifts from Elvis to Liberace. 2006 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, created by Liberace out of gratitude for the scholarship he received to go to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. His foundation has distributed nearly $5 million in scholarships to more than 2,200 students at 110 colleges, universities and art organizations. (News, Source: Business Wire)

Priscilla defends sale of EPE: ELVIS PRESLEY's widow PRISCILLA has defended her decision to sell a massive
stake in her late husband's Memphis, Tennessee estate, insisting the sale was
hugely beneficial to Graceland's welfare. Presley sold 85 per cent of Elvis Presley Enterprises - which included rights to the rock legend's name and image - to entertainment investment agency CKX in February last year (05) but is keen to point out not much has changed since the takeover. She says, "Graceland is Graceland. We still have the same staff we've always had and it's still owned by my daughter, LISA MARIE.

"We partnered with CKX, who came in and acquired the licensing to the name and image of Elvis.
"What that means is they are able to take us to a place we could not have gone as a private company." (News, Source: PR Inside)

The History of Elvis 1955: Documenting the life and career of history's most popular (and, many say, best) entertainer is a daunting task, because everything Elvis touched and everything he did seemed to make history by dint of his unprecedented fame. So I've taken the time to create a series that breaks The King's life up into one big year-by-year timetable, in order to better understand the forces that led to his rise and fall.

1955 was the year Elvis hit the road, creating his overnight sensation by rocking out at seemingly every state fair, high school, and military base from Dallas to Cleveland. Success came quickly, of course, but it came with riots, new love affairs, questionable business practices, the death of an icon, and Cadillacs literally on fire from overuse! My look at the '55 model Elvis features tour dates, discographies, recording info, trivia, and more. Read full article(News, Source: About.com)

Elvis Canberra ceases operation: Yet another Elvis fan club has closed down. Elvis Canberra had been very active in the Canberra area for several years organising the Inaugural Elvis Festival in the area and many other activities. Read full story(News, Source: Melany/Russ Morison)

Brit Comedy Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis Makes American Debut: Charlotte Jones' Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis — the British comedy about a 40-year-old dominatrix — gets its U.S. premiere Nov. 6 in a production by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, DC. John Vreeke directs the play by the author of Humble Boy and The Woman in White. The staging features Woolly veteran Sarah Marshall, along with the newest Woolly company member Kimberly Gilbert.

The run of Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis begins with two Pay-What-You-Can performances on Nov. 6 and 7 at 8 PM. Opening is Nov. 12 at 8 PM. Performances continue to Dec. 10.

The play is "an eccentric and hilarious collection of Bolton, England misfits," according to Woolly Mammoth notes. "Josie, a dominatrix who feels ready to hang it all up, is dreading her 40th birthday — so her favorite client Lionel throws a party with a special musical guest! But the real surprise comes when a ghost from the past barges in, propelling this outrageous mix of edgy comedy, heart-throbbing humanity, and sheer ridiculousness — about the sort of love that gets you all shook up."

The cast features Woolly acting company members Kimberly Gilbert and Sarah Marshall, along with Tiffany Fillmore, Beth Hylton, David Bryan Jackson and Tony Nam. "Charlotte Jones has created a memorable collection of eccentric characters — a dominatrix, an obsessive compulsive, a Chinese Elvis impersonator, and more — but she has the empathy and sense of detail to make them totally human," said artistic director Howard Shalwitz in production notes. "The play is hilariously funny, but what comes through, above all, is its sense of compassion and hopefulness. Woolly Mammoth is thrilled to be launching this unique holiday treat to American audiences."

The comedy premiered at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, England in April 1999, heralding Charlotte Jones as an exciting new voice in British theatre. The production transferred to the Liverpool Everyman in May 1999 and won the Manchester Evening News Best Play Award.

Sheila Ryan writing memoir: Next to Priscilla and Linda Thompson, Sheila Ryan is the next best known of Elvis' partners in the 1970s. She is also known as a Playboy Cover Girl (October 1973). Once married to film and TV star, James Caan, Ms Ryan is writing her memoir called "Fame On Me".

Elvis World's Bill E. Burk says: " 'Tis said Sheila will reveal a lot of their "pillow talk" in her book and has access to a ton of Elvis photos". (News, Source: Bill E. Burk/EIN)

Vote for Elvis in Dutch best song poll: The Top 2000 on Dutch radio 2 has been the radio Event of the year. Last year, over 8 million people tuned in! In 2005, Elvis got 19 hits in the Top 2000 chart, with “Suspicious Minds” peaking at the #84 spot. Starting today, votes are welcomed again for the Top 2000-2006. Let’s join all forces and bring “Suspicious Minds” to the Number One spot! Ask your friends, family and relatives to vote for Elvis! Don’t wait too long, as the votes are counted on November 24th. Cast your vote now(News, Source: EP Gold)

Rare Australian & New Zealand vinyl now on eBay: Two of the world's rarest and most valuable Elvis LPs are for auction now on ebay. Two copies of the Australian album, "Easy Come, Easy Go" and a copy of the 1957 New Zealand edition of "Elvis' Christmas Album" are listed. The "Easy Come, Easy Go" LP was an Aussie only release and features 12 tracks. The LP had the distinction of being "bootlegged" with the bootleg issue (for a time) selling at a higher price than the official RCA release. Both a mono and stereo edition are listed on eBay.

The New Zealand Christmas LP has what many collectors consider to be the most beautiful Elvis album cover ever. Surprisingly, this is the third time the NZ LP has been listed on eBay in the past three months. (News, Source: eBay)

Production company interested in making film adaptation of "iconic" Elvis book?: Has an American production company expressed interest in financing a film adaptation of one of the most controversial books ever released about Elvis? EIN will have more details shortly.

More 2007 Elvis promotions to be announced...and BMG to capture younger fans interest: Elvis World's Bill E. Burk tells us Harley-Davidson (Elvis' preferred motorcycle) and EPE will soon announce a promotional tie-in for 2007, while Graceland will also very soon announce "a huge retailing project" for Elvis Week 2007. Bill also says BMG will make a major Elvis record release by year's end in an effort to capture more young Elvis fans. Stay tuned! (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

Sunday 5 November 2006

"Elvis Presley: Music Master" 2DVD set: Due for release on November 11, 2006 is the interactive 2DVD set "Elvis Presley: Music Master". The DVD comes with region code 2 and an English soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS.

Synopsis: Disc 1: This is the independent Elvis Presley quiz on DVD and it's totally interactive! Use your DVD remote control to choose the correct answer to a range of 1500 multiple-choice questions on the King and his music ranging from newcomer level to super-fan level and unlock a rare concert performance by Elvis Presley. Along the way you'll find bonus video performances from TV and Radio archives as you make your way to the fiendish final round and unlock the keys to a front row view of a legendary Elvis Presley live show. The interactive quiz requires no special equipment and will play on all DVD players. Your remote control is all you need. The Quiz also works on Play Station 2 and on any PC with a DVD drive.

Levels include:
Name that song
Spot that lyric
Name that album
Identify that film clip...and more.

Disc 2: Elvis The Golden Greats: These 26 great performances capture all the thrills and excitement of Elvis live on stage with a stunning collection of tracks which showcase the genius of Elvis from the energy of Shake, Rattle and Roll to the majesty of American Trilogy. (News, Source: Play /Elvis News)

How to impersonate an Elvis impersonator: When Tony Nam first read for the role of Chinese Elvis, he was worried. "I was concerned it would be this very stereotypical, not socially acclimated character who was awkward and spoke in broken pidgin English," the Silver Spring-born actor admits. The last thing he wanted was to end up playing broad and loose with Asian stereotypes. Frankly, he had no desire to wind up a poor man's William Hung, the awkward third-season "American Idol" loser who became a household name with his improbably bad rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" and the equally improbable release of three CDs.

But Nam got the part of Timothy Wong, an Elvis Presley impersonator in working-class England, and currently headlines at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in "Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis." Odd as it might sound, it's a surprisingly compassionate comedy about an eccentric collection of misfits -- a dominatrix, an obsessive-compulsive and, of course, a slightly bad Chinese Elvis impersonator. (Almost Elvis, Source: Lisa Traiger, Washington Post)

The Heartbreak Kid was married in presence of Elvis impersonator at Graceland Chapel in Vegas: Pro wrestler, Shawn (The Heartbreak Kid) Michaels is married to former Nitro Girl, Whisper. They were married on March 31st, 1999 at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a very small wedding ceremony. The only people present were Shawn, Rebecca Curci (aka Ntiro Girl), and an Elvis impersonator. Shawn is known to be a big Elvis fan and as a young man, sneaked into Graceland and kissed Elvis' grave. At one time he hosted a segment on WWE called "Heartbreak Hotel". (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Aussie chart update: On the latest ARIA Music DVD Chart, Aloha From Hawaii climbed 9 places to #22, while the Comeback Special held steady at #23. (News, Source: ARIA)

Saturday 4 November 2006

Prosecutors "all shook up" over suspicious Elvis finds: British prosecutors trying to hit tough new government targets for seizing criminal assets face an unexpected conundrum: how do you raise the maximum amount of money from selling off Elvis Presley memorabilia? (News, Source: FT.com/Charmaine Voisine)

"Since Cincinnati" CD: Due for release is an new import CD entitled "Since Cincinnati". This CD is actually an upgrade of the original 1990 release with upgraded sound and new artwork and features the before last concert from Elvis on June 25th, 1977. The original CD is one of the rarest import CD out there.

"The American Way" CD: From the producers of "American Crown Jewels" and "Finding The Way Home" comes volume one of "The American Way". Uncut sessions as recorded at American Studios, Memphis, during January/February, 1969. These sessions have been available on home made discs, in a sound quality X generations removed from the original sources. This release should be offering you the real thing from the original "import" tapes, on 5 single volumes. Each release will be accompanied with a 16 pages fully illustrated booklet, featuring rare photos, memorabilia and in-depth information on those exciting times, written by a leading expert on Elvis, the man, and his music.

Volume one, "The Hits", focuses on the hit singles, pulled from the American Studio sessions:

Tickets for 2007 Elvis Birthday Celebration On Sale Now: Tickets for the Official Elvis Insiders Reception, Graceland Scavenger Hunt, and Elvis Dance Party are on sale now through Graceland reservations. The birthday calendar has now been updated with special guests and details. Also, don't forget to order your tickets for the Birthday Pops Concert with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Terry Mike Jeffrey, and The Imperials. (News, Source: EPE)

"Superstar" CD: Set for release on November 7, 2007 on the "Superstar" series is another Elvis compilation. The CD will be released on the Pel label. (News, Source: CD Universe /Elvis News)

Final cover artwork for "Elvis Starring In Oklahoma" : The latest book from JAT Publishing will be available for the Holiday Season and released on November 14th....free Elvis pocket calendar for select dealers.

And as EIN published some time ago, coming from JAT in 2007....Elvis Presley - Tickle Me...includes lost photos from the Allied Artist Archives recently discovered in Chicago. (News, Source: JAT/FECC)

Friday 3 November 2006

Elvis Presley In Concert, Memphis, 2007 not sold out: Despite rumors to the contrary, Elvis World's Bill E. Burk says Graceland announced today only 60% of the total seats for the 30th anniversary concert at FedEx Forum have been sold. The 433 VIP tickets, costing $250 each, were sold out in the first 15 minutes. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

"Elvis At 21": deluxe edition: Here is the Deluxe Edition of the "Elvis At 21" book from Alfred Wertheimer. This edition comes in a clamshell box, with more pictures than the "standard" edition, signed pictures and contact sheets. It is limited to 1500 copies and was released October 10, 2006 (ISBN: 1-933784-01-6).(News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Suzi Quatro regrets not meeting Elvis: Leather-clad rock chick SUZI QUATRO bitterly regrets turning down the chance to meet her idol ELVIS PRESLEY because she was too nervous. Quatro was invited to Graceland after covering Presley's ALL SHOOK UP in 1974, but couldn't face the prospect of meeting the great man. She says, "I declined. I had only just joined the fame game. He was my childhood hero, my god, my Svengali. "That is definitely one of the regrets of my life." (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Another TV Guide "Elvis" edition coming: TV Guide will again issue a special Elvis edition in December 2006, complete with a CD. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)"Studio B" Elvis promotion 2007: Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville planning major, major Elvis promotion concerning Studio B for Elvis Week 2007. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)DJ Fontana at Toledo Elvis Fest: Elvis Presley fans have lots of questions for DJ Fontana, the King's longtime drummer. But there's one question in particular that seems to pop up. "They want to know if he's dead," said Fontana, 75. Anyone who shows up to see Fontana at the Toledo Elvis Festival this weekend will have little reason to doubt that Presley is alive and well - at least in the form of his music and the impersonators who will perform.

The event tomorrow and Saturday in the Zenobia Shrine on Madison Avenue will feature four versions of Elvis, swinging their hips and breathing some life into the King. Fontana himself will perform on the drums at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

He hooked up with Elvis in 1954 when Fontana was a house drummer for the Louisiana Hayride show in his native Shreveport, La. "They invited me to play with them that night," he said. And the rest is history. He spent 14 years contributing to major hits like "Jailhouse Rock," "Don't Be Cruel," and "All Shook Up."

Other celebrity guests will include Ed Bonja, Elvis' tour manager and photographer, and the Imperials, who sang back-up for Elvis, said Michelle Rosencrantz. She is president of Elvis Presley's Sweet Sweet Spirit Fan Club, which hosts the event. Her husband, Robert, will be one of the impersonators.

Other activities will include Elvis trivia, question and answer sessions with the celebrities, and vendors with Presley paraphernalia and memorabilia. The Toledo Elvis Festival opens at 6 p.m. tomorrow and 3 p.m. Saturday in the Zenobia Shrine, 1511 Madison Ave. Tickets are $20 tomorrow and $25 for Saturday. Information: 419-727-LVIS (5847) or www.elvissweetspirit.com. (News, Source: Toledo Blade/Sanja Meegin)

Thursday 2 November 2006

Cover art "Inside Roustabout": This is the cover art of the upcoming "Inside Roustabout" book by Megan Murphy. Elvis Unlimited will release the book in late November or early December. The book will be a limited edition and will come with a DVD, vinyl record and collectors surprise. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

Hugh Jackson voices penguin who wants to be Elvis:In the film Happy Feet, Hugh Jackman voices the character, Memphis, a penguin who wants to be Elvis. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

"Sun" reproduction acetates being released: In mid November there will be a 100 % reproduction of the two acetates that Elvis did in 1953 and 1954 be released. Both acetates will be exactly like the original ones.

In August 1953 a very young Elvis Presley walk into the local Memphis Recording Service. He paid $4.00 to record two sides and get them home with him on a one of a kind two sided acetate. The songs were the ballads My Happiness and That’s When Your Heartaches Begin. Elvis probably hoped that Sam Phillips (the owner of Memphis Recording Service and the founder of the local record label Sun Records) would pay attention to him and that he might get a chance on being invited for a real recording session. Sam wasn’t there that day but Marion Keisker who at that time worked for Sam did the recordings and noted that Elvis was a great ballad singer.

In early 1954 Elvis still haven’t heard from Sam so he decided to go back and pay another $4.00 to record two more sides. This time did he record two more ballads titled It Wouldn’t Be The Same Without You and I’ll Never Stand In Your Way. Nearly the same happened again. In other words Marion was impressed and saved a copy for Sam, but Sam wasn’t. It would take nearly another half year before Sam decided to call the young kid Elvis and invite him in for a try-out and a possible recording session. The rest is history.

For the first time ever will a reproduction of both pre fame Elvis Presley acetates be available in their originally form. Both are made on a 10” vinyl record that will play at 45 rpm. The labels are exactly like the original primitive ones. There
will only be produced a limited amount of 300 copies of each record. This will
be a one of a kind and unique chance to own an exact copy of two of the most
historical records of modern music.

There were sharks. There were princesses. And there was Elvis. The little tyke created a commotion as he made his way along the Kukui Grove Shopping Center after winning one of the prizes in the mall’s costume contest. Jonell Kaohelaulii, the mall’s marketing director, said her staff was overwhelmed by the number of contestants that showed up for the costume contest despite a downpour just before the witching hour.

“We had over a hundred blinkies to keep keiki safe in their neighborhood, and we gave them all out,” Kaohelaulii said as she walked the mall watching the tenants distribute Halloween goodies.

The Halloween excitement, however, is only a preview of more holiday excitement in store for shoppers as Kaohelaulii said the Calendar Shop is now open for holiday shopping. “Meyvn opens their doors Friday,” Kaohelaulii said as she watched the commotion that followed a tiny Elvis who accepted treats from a trio of sea creatures and a surfer girl from Underground. Kaohelaulii said merchandise for the new skate shop has been arriving throughout the week and the opening should create more excitement this weekend.

Underground was just one of the many tenants within the mall that was totally involved in Halloween, its staff dressed in outfits of a honu, starfish and nori. “We’re really happy that so many tenants are involved,” Kaohelaulii said. “And there were so many children from little tiny ones to big, big ones. Even the adults were involved.” Kaohelaulii said just prior to the start of the costume contest adults kept asking if they had a division.

“I even had a grandma ask if she could be in the contest,” Kaohelaulii said. Based on this response, she’s making bigger plans for Halloween 2007.

Over at Kaua‘i Bakery, Lei and Dean Nakayama, dressed as a character from “Grease” and a University of Hawai‘i football booster, respectively, the activity quickly wiped out their supply of candy. That sent Lei scrambling from the kitchen to distribute packets of malasada. “We had over 20 dozen and they’re all gone,” Dean said, noting that everything was cleaned out within an hour. The hectic nature of the Halloween parade overflowed as customers arriving to pick up orders of cakes and other goodies left with an additional gift of Halloween cookies or malasadas.

“It’s all left over,” Dean said with a smile. “Halloween is over today.”(News, Source: KauaiWorld.com)

Wednesday 1 November 2006

"Elvis The Definitive Collection" DVD box set reissued: Sony Pictures is re-releasing the "Elvis The Definitive Collection" containing 4 DVDs with approximately 15 hours of footage. The consumer price of the box-set has been kept extremely low. This product has been released for the first time in Belgium and Holland in 2003 by Columbia Pictures. Other countries released this product in two or more sets. (News, Source: The United Elvis Presley Society/Elvis News)

History of the Presleys:Barbara Lee Rowe has opened the world’s first store on the history of the Presleys. She is a mine of information on Presley family history and is in contact with many Presley family members around the country. Her store is in the Patriot’s Point shopping mall in Gettysburg and is more like a “Presley Museum”. The store has a wonderful name:
The Kin of Rock and Roll.....241 Steinwehr Avenue (located inside Patriot Point), Gettysburg, PA 17325
OPEN FROM NOON TO 8pm .....WINTER HOURS Thurs. thru Sunday (News, Source: Sid Shaw)

Man claiming to be Elvis' son deemed unfit: A man who claims he's Elvis Presley's son and is accused of making threats against Utah judges has been found mentally unfit to stand trial.

Forty-nine-year-old Ernest John Young, also known as Jason Presley, was declared incompetent last week after two medical examiners testified Young thinks he's the heir to the Presley fortune, among other views and beliefs.

One of the medical examiners said it's obvious Young suffers from a delusional disorder of a grandiose type.

Young is accused of threatening several judges on multiple occasions for refusing to file murder charges against people he believes conspired to kill Elvis Presley.

Young will now be sent to the state hospital for an attempt to restore him to competency.(Odd Spot, Source: Amber Smith)

"Elvis r&b" (CD Review): EIN's Piers Beagley took time out from his overseas holiday to delve indside the aural delights of one of the latest Elvis releases from Sony BMG. Yet another compilation CD with upgraded sound, Piers found it has a surprising appeal.

Read Piers' detailed track-by-track review (CD Review, Source: EIN)

New CD "Patch It Up": Music For Fans is the name of a new import label. Their first release will be a "concept album", containing acetates from the June 1970 sessions and (rare) live recordings from 1970 to 1977 (to us this sounds like two concepts). The CD will be delivered with a 16 page booklet.

Celeste Yarnall discusses Elvis and Martin Luther King: Jason Edge from the Elvis International Fan Club recorded video at the "Conversations on Elvis" at the Malco Paridiso Theater on Wednesday, August 11, 2004. In the video, Celeste Yarnall, one of Elvis' co-stars in 'Live A Little, Love A Little', discusses how Elvis reacted to the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Also at this conversations were Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, and A Little Less Conversation co-writer Billy Strange. (News, Source: EP Gold)

Read EIN's interview with Celeste Yarnall (the woman Elvis sang 'A Little Less Conversation' to in the film)

The Elvis Suite: The Lauderdale Courts housing project where teen Elvis Presley lived (1949-1953) long ago fell to the forces of gentrification, undergoing a $36 million renovation into the Uptown Square complex. Yups of all description are now happily ensconced in their renovated apartments, awash in WiFi. However, in apartment 328, you can still live as Elvis did. The Lauderdale Courts lives on in this one apartment, preserved as an Elvis shrine; visitors can ogle the place during festivities surrounding Elvis's death- and birthdays, or rent the whole place out for $249 per night otherwise. (The Presleys paid $35 per month.) You got two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, and living room, all tricked out in period crap furniture and Elvisabilia. Don't be fooled by the authentic Frigidaire in the kitchen -- there's also a microwave concealed in a cabinet, and a hidden flatscreen TV in the living room. Mementos aside, just consider that the Elvis bedroom was likely the scene of young Mr. Presley's most enthusiastic demonstrations of teenage self-love; there might even be a few flicks of Kingly DNA left on the headboard, if you look carefully. (News, Source: GridSkipper.com)